Chapter 3 Arrogance Meets Reality

"Why do you have a Board of Directors meeting booklet?" he screeched in disbelief.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Why can't I have one?"

At Saltmere University, the Board of Directors wasn't something just anyone could get into. One was either a highly respected senior professor or someone with serious financial backing. Anyone allowed to attend was a figure of real influence.

When one of Arlo's lackeys noticed something was off with his expression, he quickly chimed in, "Boss, don't take her seriously. Look at her. She's ugly and broke! What could she possibly be? That's definitely a fake document she printed to put on airs!"

I couldn't help rolling my eyes again, wondering if he actually had anything in his head besides showing off?

My eyes fell on my watch, which was now pointing to 11.40 a.m. I frowned because the board meeting was set to begin at noon. I needed to get there early. Otherwise, my ears would have to suffer through another round of my dad's nagging.

So, I took my phone back from the lackey's hands after I picked up the booklet.

"What are you doing?!"

I didn't bother turning back as I walked away. I was taking my phone. What else would I be doing?

Alas, I had only taken a couple of steps when Arlo grabbed my sleeve. "Hey, ugly, stop right there! Did I say you could leave? Wanna bet if I'll have you thrown out of Salt-U right now?"

I was in a hurry to get to the meeting room and had no time to waste on him. To make matters worse, his two lackeys rushed over to block me as well. During the scuffle, someone even stepped on Arlo's shoe .

"Are you blind, ugly? How dare you step on my shoes? You couldn't afford to pay for these even if you slave away for 10 lifetimes!"

My gaze dropped to his shoes. They were just an ordinary pair of athletic sneakers. I didn't know much about clothes, but I knew enough about shoes.

"I have a meeting to attend. I don't have time to waste here. How much do you want? Just name the price so I can compensate you."

As I raised my phone to make a transfer, Arlo laughed. "Ugly, are you joking? You think these are like the cheap trash you wear? I'm telling you, you could never afford something like this even if you sold everything you own—"

I wasn't in the mood to listen to his bragging, so I cut him off. "Is 1,000 enough? I'll transfer it right now."

Arlo's expression twisted again. "1,000? That won't even cover one shoelace. How dare you look down on me!"

Then, his eyes flickered maliciously, clearly plotting something. "But I'm not unreasonable. I might consider letting this slide if you strip naked, get down on your knees, and bark like a dog twice."

I didn't bother holding back after how aggressive he was being. "Don't get too ahead of yourself. When we were arguing earlier, the cup you were holding also damaged my bracelet."

Arlo didn't care in the slightest. "It's just some crappy bracelet. The damn thing looks like glass. Only a hick like you would treat it like treasure. Go on, name a price. I'll pay you double, but you still have to kneel and bark."

I looked down at the bracelet, falling into thought. My father's words echoed in my mind.

"Elara, this is a very valuable family heirloom. It's made from top-grade emerald. Take good care of it."

After a moment, I spoke again. "I honestly don't know how much this bracelet is worth. However, I do know one thing… You definitely can't afford it."